Itinerary

Day One  -  Arrival Day
Arrival in Haltwhistle.

Day Two  -  Lanercost Priory to Greenhead Linear Walk
Explore 12th century Lanercost Priory with its beautiful church housing Burne-Jones stained glass. Enjoy the peace and serenity of this ancient site. Then to Birdoswald Roman fort, once home to 1,000 Roman soldiers, now an important archaeological site with a visitor centre and cafe for lunch.

The afternoon route includes several Milecastles along particularly well-preserved sections of wall. There’s an enticing tea shop in the village of Gilsland to sustain you on your way to today’s destination, the pretty village of Greenhead. (Grade moderate: 8 miles/12.8 km)

Day Three  -  Greenhead to Haltwhistle Linear Walk
14th Century Thirlwall Castle awaits you today, built with stones from the Roman Wall. Its heavily fortified construction reflects the troubles between the Scots and English at that time. Border disputes meant that, for short periods, Thirlwall Castle actually stood in Scotland.

Walltown Quarry provided much of the stone for the wall. Above the quarry, the walk undulates across more superb countryside to eventually finish at Haltwhistle Burn, a delightful riverside path leading back to the hotel. (Grade moderate: 8 miles/12/8 km)

Day Four  -  Steel Rigg, The Pennine Way & Houseteads Circular
The most scenic walk imaginable with fantastic views throughout. There are many ‘ups and downs’ but we’re sure you'll agree the effort is worth while! Contrasting scenery combines best parts of the Wall with stunning, panoramic views, culminating at Housesteads, the most complete Roman fort in Britain.

Then, by branching off on to the Pennine Way after lunch, our route takes you away from the wall for a wonderful, easy afternoon walk with views of the Wall throughout, There's a board walk through a nature reserve skirting picturesque lakes on the way. (Grade moderate: 9 miles/14.4 km)

Day Five  -  Vindolanda Circular
From the valley floor at Bardon Mill our route ascends a secluded wooded valley to the superb Roman fort at Vindolanda. The work being done there is outstanding; it's a 'must see' and the entrance fee is worth every penny. The writing tablets, Britain’s greatest historical treasure, give you a unique feeling of everyday life on the great Wall.

The walk continues in the afternoon to Barcombe Ridge with magnificent views and to heather, fern and rock-clad Thorngrafton Common. (Grade easy-moderate: 5 miles/8 km)

Day Six  -  Departure Day
Today we recommend a morning visit to the wonderful Roman Army Museum, the one place there was no time to include on the walks.